On 15 February 2021, a Grant Agreement was signed under the direct award procedure for the strategic project:
“Restoration of the Old School Building and Cultural-Tourism Revitalisation through the ITU Mechanism – EKOMUZEJ BISTRA”
Reference number: KK.06.1.1.16.0001
„The project was co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, via the Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) mechanism, within the Zagreb Urban Agglomeration.“
Beneficiary (Project Applicant)
Project Partners
Total project value: HRK 11,979,148.74
Total EU grant awarded: HRK 10,110,430.40
Project duration: 1 September 2020 – 1 September 2023
The project involves the restoration and reconstruction of the historic Old School building in Poljanica Bistranska and its conversion into a contemporary, fully equipped cultural and tourism centre. The Old School building is an individually protected cultural asset, listed in the Register of Cultural Goods under number Z-6513. Built in 1877/78, it is one of the few preserved school buildings from that period in Zagreb County, retaining its original floor plan, structural elements, exterior design and parts of its interior fittings. In addition to its architectural significance, the building holds considerable cultural and historical value.
Due to its outstanding heritage value, the building has been selected as the seat of the future communication and heritage centre of the Bistra area. In planning and designing the revitalisation of the Old School building in Poljanica Bistranska, particular attention was devoted to all aspects of sustainability — social, economic and environmental. During the implementation of the project, the ground floor will accommodate a tourist information centre, a souvenir shop, and visitor reception and interaction areas. On the first floor, the corridor will feature an exhibition of Bistra's artistic photography, together with works by local artists inspired by the region. The remaining four rooms on the first floor will house the permanent multimedia and interactive museum exhibition Bistra 1209, developed in accordance with an established museological concept. The attic space will contain office premises, a HUB area for workshops and storytelling sessions, and an information and documentation department where archival materials and sources relevant to local history will be preserved. In shaping the museum display, a “green model” approach will be applied to the development of both the curatorial and visual elements of the exhibition, particularly in the selection of themes and their interpretation, ensuring a sustainable and responsible presentation of heritage.
The Ekomuzej Bistra project is conceived as an integrated initiative based on ecomuseum principles, enabling sustainable and participatory management of the entire heritage of the Bistra region. It aims to stimulate cultural and tourism development in the north-western part of Zagreb County, along the slopes of Medvednica — from the summit ridge to the left bank of the River Krapina.
Activities within the revitalised building will serve the cultural and social needs of the local community. No commercial economic activity will be conducted within the Ekomuzej Bistra. By establishing a tourist information centre and promoting Bistra as an attractive destination — located just 20 kilometres from the City of Zagreb — the project will significantly enhance the area’s visitor appeal. An increase in visits to the cultural-tourism centre is anticipated from 2024 onwards. ________________________________________
In conclusion, the implementation of the Ekomuzej Bistra project will establish an innovative, creative, integrated and effective “green” model for the management of heritage resources, while creating a new tourist destination in the immediate vicinity of Zagreb — the “Gateway to Zagorje”. Its offer will be based on a professional interpretation of cultural and natural heritage, with particular emphasis on traditional culture, local customs, and regional products.
The project was co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund.
The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the Municipality of Bistra and the Zagreb County Tourist Board.
Total project value: HRK 11,979,148.74
EU Grant Amount: HRK 10,110,430.40
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